Portable Ballistic Shield

ABSTRACT

A Portable Ballistic Shield (PBS) is provided. The PBS includes a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates for absorbing the kinetic energy of a projectile. The PBS also includes a wedge bar, for mounting the PBS adjacent to a structural element of a vehicle (e.g., windshield frame). The wedge bar may also include an integral mechanical dampener for dissipating kinetic energy transferred from the projectile to the transparent laminated polycarbonates. The PBS also includes a quick release side connector connected to the transparent ballistic shield and a quick release top connector connected to the PBS. The PBS also includes a steering column yoke connected to the transparent ballistic shield for mounting the PBS on the vehicle steering column. The quick release side connector and the quick release top connector may also include integral mechanical dampeners for dissipating kinetic energy transferred from the projectile to the transparent laminated polycarbonates.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of Use

The instant invention relates generally to protective transparent shields and more specifically it relates to a law enforcement high risk vehicle windshield protective device. Numerous protective transparent shields have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be utilized on windshields of motor vehicles, so as to withstand gun fire at close range. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,898 to McDonald; U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,242 to Slagel and U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,477 to Kovatch all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purpose of the present invention as hereafter described.

2. Description of Prior Art (Background)

A variety of shield devices have been proposed to protect motor vehicle occupants from gunfire including from frontal, rear and flank attack. Armored limousines, for example, are well known in the art. Many such limousines include expensive heavy-duty side armor and bullet proof glass to block entry into the passenger compartment of bullets or other projectiles fired at the occupants. Other attempted solutions have included, for example, the fixation of bulletproof glass panels adjacent to the factory installed standard glazing.

Lighter duty and less expensive solutions than the utilization of an armored limousine have also been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,477 to Kovatch discloses a sheet of transparent armor that may be removably slid into position behind a standard windshield along rollers captured by tracks mounted to window posts thereby protecting the driver and other occupants of the vehicle. The '477 patent attempts to solve the problems of cleaning the opposed facing transparent surfaces presented by fixed add-on armor of the prior art by disclosing that the removable armor be pivoted about the rollers and away from the windshield.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,316 to Madden, Jr., it was proposed that a foldable bullet resistant curtain of material is removably secured to the underside of a trunk lid of an automobile and is deployed when the trunk is opened to resist bullets fired from behind the vehicle. The curtain, however, does not protect the occupants from frontal or side attack. U.S. Pat. No. 1,443,708 (Fenton) discloses an armor system for a vehicle. The armor includes a plurality of holes, with glass elements covering some of the holes. The holes covered by glass elements comprise viewing apertures. Armor plate cover some of the holes from the interior. Some of the interior armor plate may be removed so that firearms may be used from the inside of the vehicle, shooting outwardly through the holes.

Other prior art solutions include U.S. Pat. No. 1,913,554 (Luker) which discloses a bulletproof covering for portions of a vehicle, including the radiator and tires. The bulletproof covering or armor is designed to protect the front end of a vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,363,573 (Costa) discloses what is referred to as an armor shell for a motor vehicle. Virtually the entire vehicle is covered with an armor shell. There are gun ports in the shell and viewing slits for observing outside the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,898 (McDonald) discloses sheeting material applied to the interior of a vehicle. The sheeting includes transparent coverings for the windows and panels which extend over the doors. The door panels are pre-formed in a particular configuration and are permanently secured in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,404 (Medlin) discloses a lightweight armored vehicle and a method of making the lightweight armored vehicle. The disclosed method comprises stripping a vehicle interior, and using different types of bulletproof material for the interior of the vehicle and also for the gasoline tank of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,316 (Medlin) comprises a continuation-in-part patent of the '404 patent. It accordingly contains virtually the same method and apparatus, but with different materials involved.

The patents discussed in the preceding paragraphs all utilize a permanent or semi-permanent installation of bulletproof or bullet resistant material in a prepared vehicle. Accordingly, substantial changes are made in the vehicles to bulletproof them. The substantial changes include substantial costs involvement, as may be understood and expected.

Moreover, the time required for removal of a semi-permanent installation of a bulletproof shield in a law enforcement vehicle may impede the law enforcement officer's actions (e.g., giving chase to a fleeing felon) or placing the law enforcement officer in a life-threatening situation.

Therefore, a portable ballistic shield not permanently or semi-permanently attached to a vehicle is needed for protection of law enforcement officers. What has been absent in the protective arts is a convenient, readily deployable and undeployable, bullet protective shield for protecting vehicle occupants from gunfire.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a portable ballistic shield (PBS) which includes a transparent bullet resistant shield, a steering column yoke for mounting the PBS atop a vehicle's steering column. The PBS includes quick release attachments such as, for example, top and side D rings, snap hooks, or button snaps for engaging corresponding hooks and buttons attached to the law enforcement vehicle. The PBS also includes a wedge bar for wedging the PBS against a structural element of a vehicle.

The invention is also directed towards a Portable ballistic shield (PBS) comprising a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates. The PBS also includes a wedge bar, for mounting the PBS adjacent to a structural element of a vehicle (e.g., windshield frame). The wedge bar may also include an integral mechanical dampener for dissipating kinetic energy. The PBS also includes a quick release side connector connected to the transparent ballistic shield and a quick release top connector connected to the PBS. The PBS also includes a steering column yoke connected to the transparent ballistic shield for mounting the PBS on the vehicle steering column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of the portable ballistic shield;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top right-side view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged bottom right side view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the PBS shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is cross sectional view of the PBS shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 in operational use;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 in operational use;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a top quick release feature;

FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of FIG. 11 illustrating the top quick release feature in operational use;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a side quick release feature;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the quick release feature shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the quick release feature shown in FIG. 14 attached to the top portion of the PBS;

FIG. 17 is a second pictorial view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 in operational use;

FIG. 18 is an isometric front view of an alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 19 is an isometric rear view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 20 is an isometric see thru front view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 21 is second isometric rear view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 22 is a plan see thru front view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 23 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 24 is a plan front view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS);

FIG. 25 is a plan top view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS); and

FIG. 26 is a plan bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; and

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 of the drawings, there are shown multiple views of the portable ballistic shield (PBS) 10. The PBS 10 includes upper flange 12, wedge bar 14, transparent bullet resistant shield 16, steering column yoke 18, lower reinforcing flange 19. PBS 10 also includes fasteners 13 for attaching the shield 16 to the upper flange 12 and the steering column yoke 18.

Still referring to FIG. 1 through 8, transparent bullet resistant shield 16 may be any suitable transparent bullet resistant material; such as for example: a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates, acrylics, glass-clad polycarbonate glazed with bullet resistant material, aluminum oxynitride (i.e., a transparent aluminum based ceramic), and/or bullet proof material derived from magnesium aluminates The thickness of the shield 16 will vary in accordance with the degree of bullet resistant characteristics desired.

Still referring to FIG. 1 through 8, fasteners 13 may be any suitable fasteners such as screws or bolts for fastening yoke 18 and upper flange 12 to resistant shield 16. It will also be appreciated yoke 18 and upper flange 12 may be also attached to resistant shield 16 with a suitable epoxy or structural adhesive 13A.

Still referring to FIG. 1 through 8, wedge bar 14 is a suitably sized bar attached to the upper flange. Wedge bar 14 wedges against a structural member of a vehicle (e.g., windshield frame) discussed herein. When wedge against the structural member of the vehicle wedge bar 14 negates movement of the PBS in the direction of a bullet striking the PBS shield 16 (i.e., striking the rear face 16B shown in FIG. 3). Wedge bar 14 may be a single bar or multiple stacked bars to accommodate for vehicle variations. Furthermore, wedge bar 14 may include mechanical dampener 14A (see FIG. 5) for dissipating kinetic energy resulting from a bullet striking shield 16.

Still referring to FIG. 1 through 8, steering column yoke 18 may be any suitably shaped yoke for resting on a vehicle steering column (see FIG. 10-101). Steering column yoke 18 also includes lower reinforcing flange 19 which may be sized to custom fit the steering column.

Referring also to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 there is shown a pictorial view of the PBS 10 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 in operational use. A law enforcement officer 93 is engaged with preparing a ticket/summons 99. A bullet 98 traveling in the direction shown pierces windshield 94 affixed to vehicle 92. Bullet 98 strikes the rear face of PBS shield 16B. The bullet is stopped by shield 16 and the bullet's kinetic energy is partially absorbed by shield 16 and also transferred to wedge bar 14 to be dissipated against a vehicle 92 structural element 94A holding windshield 94. The bullet's kinetic energy is also transferred to yoke/flange 18/19 to be dissipated against the vehicle steering column 101.

Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12 there is shown an isometric view of the PBS shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a top quick release mechanism 111. The top quick release mechanism 111 includes strap 11B and snap button 11A. For clarity only one snap button is shown, however it will be appreciated that strap 11B could include any suitable number of snap buttons. Strap 11B may be any suitable strap sufficient to hold the PBS 10 in place. Furthermore, strap 11B may be woven from shock absorbing fiber composites including polymers, visco-elastic polymers, visco-polymers, simple polymers, neoprene, silicon, and/or rubber material to assist the dissipation of the bullet's kinetic energy.

Referring also to FIG. 13 there is shown a side view of FIG. 11 illustrating the top quick release feature in operational use. Snap button 11B is connected to corresponding button receptacle 131 attached to vehicle 13.

Referring also to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 there is shown an isometric and side view, respectively, of the PBS 10 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a side quick release mechanism. The side quick release mechanism includes connector 143 and corresponding hook 142. Connector 143 may be attached to shield 16 via clamp 153 and fasteners 152. It will be appreciated that hook 142, connector 143, and/or clamp 153 combine to form a kinetic energy dissipation system. For, example, connector 143 may include mechanical dampener 143A. It will be appreciated that connector 143 may be any suitable connector such as a D ring and/or spring connector for absorbing kinetic energy.

Referring also to FIG. 16 there is shown a side view of the quick release feature shown in FIG. 14 attached to the top portion of the PBS. The side quick release feature includes connector 162 and corresponding hook 161. Connector 162 may be attached to shield 16 via clamp 166A and fasteners 166. It will be appreciated that hook 161, connector 162, and/or clamp 166A combine to form a kinetic energy dissipation system. It will be appreciated that connector 162 may be any suitable connector such as a D ring and/or spring connector for absorbing kinetic energy.

FIG. 17 is a second pictorial view of the PBS 10 shown in FIG. 1 in operational use. Shown in FIG. 17 is law enforcement officer 171, and bullet 172 traveling in direction shown. PBS 10 deflects bullet 171 by depleting bullet 172 of its kinetic energy. First, the bullet's kinetic energy is transferred to and partially absorbed by shield 16. The kinetic energy not absorbed by shield 16 is transferred to wedge 14 and yoke 18 and is dissipated against the structural members of the vehicle as described herein. The bullet's kinetic energy may also be dissipated via the quick release features described herein. It will be appreciated that distributing the dissipation of bullet's kinetic energy allows for a thinner shield 16 and less weight of the PBS overall.

Referring also to FIGS. 18-27 there is shown an alternate embodiment of the portable ballistic shield (PBS) 10A. Shield 16 is as described earlier. Top member 1801 wedges against windshield 94 and steering wheel clips 1803 mount on steering wheel 1805. Clips 1803 may attach to shield 16 by any suitable means, including adhesives and/or mechanical fasteners. Top member 1801 may also function as an energy dampener.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A Portable ballistic shield (PBS), the PBS comprising: a transparent ballistic shield; a wedge bar; an upper flange connecting the transparent ballistic shield to the wedge bar; and a steering column yoke connected to the transparent ballistic shield.
 2. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates.
 3. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises aluminum oxynitride.
 4. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises magnesium aluminates.
 5. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises glass-clad polycarbonate glazed with bullet resistant material.
 6. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the wedge bar further comprises a first mechanical dampener.
 7. The PBS as in claim 1 further comprises a side kinetic energy dissipation system.
 8. The PBS as in claim 7 wherein the side kinetic energy dissipation system comprises: a connector, wherein the connector comprises a second mechanical dampener; a clamp, wherein the clamp attaches the connector to the transparent ballistic shield.
 9. The PBS as in claim 1 further comprising a quick release side connector.
 10. The PBS as in claim 1 further comprises a top kinetic energy dissipation system.
 11. The PBS as in claim 10 wherein the top kinetic energy dissipation system comprises: a strap connected to the upper flange, wherein the strap comprises a snap button for connecting the strap to a vehicle, and wherein the strap comprises a third mechanical dampener.
 12. The PBS as in claim 1 wherein the strap is woven from shock absorbing composites.
 13. A Portable ballistic shield (PBS), the PBS comprising: a transparent ballistic shield, wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates; a wedge bar, wherein the wedge bar further comprises a first mechanical dampener; an upper flange connecting the transparent ballistic shield to the wedge bar; a quick release side connector connected to the transparent ballistic shield; a quick release top connector connected to the upper flange; and a steering column yoke connected to the transparent ballistic shield.
 14. The PBS as in claim 13 wherein the quick release side connector comprises: a ring for hooking a hook attached to a vehicle; and a clamp for clamping the ring to the upper flange.
 15. The PBS as in claim 14 wherein the quick release top connector comprises: a second ring for hooking a hook attached to the vehicle; and a second clamp for clamping the second ring to the upper flange.
 16. The PBS as in claim 14 wherein the quick release top connector comprises: a strap connected to the upper flange, wherein the strap comprises a snap button for connecting the strap to the vehicle and wherein the strap is woven with energy absorption fibers.
 17. A Portable ballistic shield (PBS), the PBS comprising: a transparent ballistic shield (TBS); a top member connected to the TBS for wedging the TBS against a windshield; and a plurality of steering clips connected to the TBS.
 18. The PBS as in claim 17 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises a plurality of transparent laminated polycarbonates.
 19. The PBS as in claim 17 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises aluminum oxynitride.
 20. The PBS as in claim 17 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises magnesium aluminates.
 21. The PBS as in claim 17 wherein the transparent ballistic shield comprises glass-clad polycarbonate glazed with bullet resistant material. 